How to Start a Book a Month Club: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To start a book a month club, gather a small group of friends or like-minded readers, decide on a meeting schedule and format, and choose your first book. Keep things simple and flexible to ensure the club thrives. Our step-by-step guide below walks you through the entire process.

Starting a book a month club is a rewarding way to deepen your reading habit and connect with others. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just getting back into books, a monthly club provides structure and social motivation. In this guide, we'll show you how to set up your own club, choose books, and keep members engaged.

A book a month club doesn't require a library or a budget. All you need is a few committed people and a shared love of reading. Follow these practical steps to launch a club that lasts.

Define Your Club's Purpose and Size

Before you invite anyone, think about what kind of club you want. Is it purely social, or do you want deep literary analysis? Will you focus on a specific genre or mix it up? Clarifying your purpose helps you attract the right members and set expectations.

Size matters. A group of 5 to 8 people is ideal for lively discussions without overwhelming shy members. If you start larger, consider splitting into smaller discussion groups.

• Decide on a meeting frequency (monthly is common) and a consistent day/time.
• Choose a meeting format: in-person at someone's home, a café, or virtual via video call.

Recruit Members and Set Ground Rules

Invite friends, coworkers, or join local community groups to find interested readers. Be clear about the commitment: reading one book per month and attending discussions. You can also ask each member to suggest books for future months.

Set simple ground rules: respect differing opinions, avoid spoilers, and rotate meeting hosts or discussion leaders. Decide how books are chosen—whether by vote, rotation, or a designated selector.

• Use a shared document or group chat to track book suggestions and votes.
• Establish a system for latecomers or members who miss a meeting.

Choose Your First Book and Schedule

For the first meeting, pick a book that's accessible and likely to spark discussion. Consider a short story collection or a popular novel. You can also use a theme or a list of classics to narrow down choices.

Set a realistic reading timeline. If members have busy schedules, allow extra time for longer books. Make sure everyone can access the book—check your local library or consider ebook options.

• Consider a trial month with a shorter book to test the waters.
• Use a poll tool to decide on the first selection.

Plan Engaging Discussions

A great discussion doesn't happen by accident. Prepare a few open-ended questions beforehand, such as 'What did you think of the protagonist's decisions?' or 'Did the ending satisfy you?' Encourage members to bring their own questions.

Keep the conversation flowing by allowing everyone to speak. If you have quiet members, gently invite their input. Avoid letting one person dominate.

• Assign a discussion leader each month to keep the conversation on track.
• Use discussion guides from online sources or create your own.

Launch Your Club in 5 Steps

1. Gather Your Members: Invite 5-8 people who share an interest in reading. Use social media, local library bulletin boards, or word of mouth. Be clear about the monthly commitment. Checkpoint: Ensure everyone understands the time commitment before the first meeting.
2. Set the Logistics: Decide on a monthly meeting date, time, and location. Choose a format that works for everyone, whether in-person or virtual. Create a shared calendar or group chat. Checkpoint: Send a poll to find the best time for the majority.
3. Pick Your First Book: Select a book that is accessible and likely to generate discussion. Consider a short novel or a popular title. Use a voting system to involve everyone. Checkpoint: Confirm all members can obtain the book (library, ebook, or purchase).
4. Prepare Discussion Questions: Draft 5-10 open-ended questions about the book's themes, characters, and plot. Assign a discussion leader for the first meeting to keep the conversation flowing. Checkpoint: Share questions a few days before the meeting so members can think about them.
5. Review and Adjust: After the first meeting, ask for feedback. What worked? What didn't? Adjust the format, book selection process, or meeting frequency as needed. Checkpoint: Celebrate your first successful meeting and plan the next book!

Add a Personal Touch with Little Books

• Truth Be Told: An angsty cast of characters is assembled at a local school to perform a play. Parts include a 'bed of moss', 'large tree', 'small tree', an 'eyeball' and the coveted part of 'Sunnybrook' the leading unicorn. Find out how the children feel about the parts they've been given and write your own play for them to perform. Or just read the book. That's fine too. This little book measures 51⁄4” x 4”. By Brandy Fedoruk This whimsical little book can be a fun icebreaker for your club's first meeting. Its playful premise invites members to share their own 'parts' in life, sparking creative discussion.
• One Shrew Too Few: One Shrew Too Few is the story of a shrew, a tiny animal that spends most of its life underground. This little book has been known to stir up all kinds of emotions, mostly very sad ones. And tears, sometimes lots of tears. Sorry about that. This little book measures 41⁄4” x 21⁄2”. By Rebecca Dolen. A short, emotional read like this can be a powerful discussion starter for a monthly club, especially when you want to explore deeper themes without a heavy time commitment.

Starting a book a month club doesn't have to be complicated. With a clear purpose, a small group of enthusiastic readers, and a simple structure, you'll be on your way to monthly literary adventures. Remember to stay flexible and focus on the joy of reading together.